In 2020, Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) creators left Netflix’s project over creative differences in “tone, casting, and budget” (via Critical Hit). Ironically, Netflix since has amended all three points of contention. While the adaptation will feature the same general mature topics, it will still focus on an Asian/Indigenous teenage cast. It’s also allegedly shelling out $120 million, which is near the entire budget of the failed live-action movie.
Netflix announced that their adaptation of ATLA won’t be as playful as the original children’s show. Still, fans hope the show doesn’t completely abandon its source material’s quick wit and comedic timing. Though the script will be adapted for adult audiences, it should remain faithful to that kind of dynamic.
“My Honor”
To Zuko, the only thing more important than capturing the Avatar is restoring his honor and regaining his throne. Zuko has faith in his ability to locate and apprehend the presumed deceased avatar despite three generations of failure. Though his quest and banishment are linked, his relentless sense of hope is his guiding force.
Unlike American culture, which values independence and change, Asian culture prioritizes family honor and ancestry. As the exiled crown prince of the Fire Nation, Zuko believes that the Avatar’s captivity will redeem his rightful social status and his father’s favor.
“My Cabbages!”
The cabbage man is a fan-favorite recurring cameo character because every time he’s near, calamities ensue at the cost of his cart of precious vegetables. He first appeared in Omashu as an Earth Kingdom merchant, but a derailed delivery cart clobbers his wagon of produce.
Although his intended role was only a one-time joke, the writers inserted him in another episode; they installed a running gag that lasted through season 2. Sixty years after the events in ATLA’s finale, the cabbage man built an empire: Cabbage Corp; he did pretty well for only four total appearances in the show.
“My Mother”
Katara’s childhood trauma stems from the death of her mother and her father deploying for long stretches of time with other tribesmen. Thus, as a girl, she was forced to mature early and help her family survive. With her brother, she felt burdened to care and provide for others.
Though some fans find it repetitive, Katara only mentions her mother to sympathize and relate her experience with others. For example, Haru’s father was imprisoned by the Fire Nation, and Katara, in one of her best episodes, reveals that she wears her mother's betrothal necklace to keep her memory.
A Sight For Blind Eyes
Despite her complete vision loss and overprotective parents, Toph is incredibly capable and independent — as well as being one of ATLA’s strongest characters. At a young age, she learned how to navigate the world by using vibrations in earthbending. Toph’s feet act as her eyes; if she’s ever disconnected from the ground, she’s effectively rendered sightless.
Sometimes her friends forget that she’s blind, and Toph humorously reminds them by cracking a witty joke. ATLA makes it a point to expand her character outside her disability, and it’s Toph’s resilience, stubbornness, and toughness that define her.
The Comedic Relief Guy
As the only non-bender in the Gaang, sometimes Sokka struggles with his self-worth. Though he lacks the same advantageous fighting prowess, he is an integral part of the team. While the avatar’s purpose is to restore peace, Sokka can intelligently solve their objectives by using his engineering and intuition.
Sokka’s journey establishes what it is to be a man: brave, loyal, self-assured, ive, respectful, and competent. Though he opens the series with a sexist remark, he concludes a great deal more mature yet still maintains his wit and creativity.
Spill The Tea
Most fans adore Iroh, Prince Zuko’s patient and laidback uncle who used to harbor grand ambitions until his son’s death during the Hundred Year War. He did not contest ruling the Fire Nation upon his father’s death; his younger brother took the throne.
In his old age, Iroh is well-traveled and insightful. He is the kind of man who would gladly sit down and connect over a pot of tea. Among fans, he’s popular because he is a combination of regal and poise yet accessible and modest.
Kind But Capable
After meeting the young avatar, Katara leaves behind her humble beginnings and develops her skills. She quickly establishes herself as a prodigy under her master’s tutelage at the North Pole. Katara is known for her fiercely comionate, caring, and determined nature. Though her motherly personality is sometimes overbearing, it is also necessary.
Katara has no qualms about fighting her way through obstacles, but she usually attempts first to resolve situations through negotiation. Despite her numerous confrontations with the Fire Nation’s disgraced prince, she offered to heal his scar after bonding over their mothers’ disappearances.
Among Us
While searching for his father at the Boiling Rock Fire Nation penitentiary, Sokka infiltrates as a guard with Zuko’s help. A prisoner helps execute an escape plan, but it fails, and he’s brought into an interrogation.
To Sokka’s relief, the inmate does not oust him. Instead, he accuses another guard with whom he had quarreled. A clever fan noted the similarity between the Among Us game and the two-part episode. In both, a group of people all appear the same, but there is an imposter in their midst.
Father Figure
ATLA shows viewers that biology may dictate parentage, but it shouldn’t entirely denote fatherhood. After receiving everything Zuko thought he wanted, he realizes it seems hollow because he betrayed his uncle – the only person who stood by him during his three-year exile.
This meme shows the bond that Iroh fosters with his nephew. Though neither its it on the show, fans would be remiss to deny that the two shared a relationship akin to dad and son. In the finale, the two share a touching moment that seals this sentiment.
Iconic Show
During the pandemic, Netflix published Avatar: The Last Airbender on its streaming service. It gained a resurgence of popularity with current fans rewatching it on the platform and new viewers investigating its acclaimed popularity.
ATLA stands the test of time. Although it’s a cartoon geared toward children, it attracts and maintains a broad audience because of its masterly crafted characters, plots, themes, and vibrancy. To many fans, Avatar is more than just a kid’s show – it transcends its targeted age group with compelling, thoughtful, and rich storytelling while maintaining its playful banter and fun animation.
